And now, digital wedding memories
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By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Tony Barnhill had an idea for his wedding: Why not set up a computer at the reception table and have guests leave video messages?
The Web programmer got to work shortly after he had the brainstorm earlier this year, designing a program that would allow guests to check in via computer and record personal messages to him and his bride, Marie.
He called it an interactive guestbook. And it was a hit.
"I didn't really intend to do anything beyond my own wedding," said Barnhill, 28, of Mililani, who got married on July 2 at the Hale Koa Hotel. "But the idea just came into my head."
This summer, he partnered with graphic designer Scott Ka-wamura — his co-worker at Communications Pacific — and launched iDo Guestbook.
This is how it works:
"At my wedding, I wasn't able to talk to everyone," said Kawamura, 31 of Kapolei, who got married seven years ago. "The bride and groom are so busy. ... This way they can watch the DVD later and see every person who was there."
But their service isn't just for weddings. This week, the company is launching iBaby and iGrad, for baby lu'aus and grad parties.
Barnhill and Kawamura took their concept to various bridal and baby expos this summer, including the 2005 Hawaii Bridal Expo, where iDo Guestbook was named the best new product or service.
It was at this expo that Melissa Watson Duropan signed up.
The bride-to-be had been looking for something different for her October wedding at the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki.
When she spotted Barnhill and Kawamura's booth at an expo this summer, she quickly booked their service.
"It was something new and innovative," said Duropan, a full-time mom from Wai'anae. "It was such a good concept."
The best part about the service, Duropan said, was having an iDo agent sit at her reception table. That way, she didn't have to beg a friend to be there.
The down side?
"A lot of our guests were older, so they didn't get it," she said. But everyone talked about it."
So far about five couples have used iDo Guestbook, with five more scheduled this year. Next year, Barnhill and Kawamura have 10 weddings lined up.
The company's goal is to expand its offerings and ultimately franchise the service.
But for now, the pair's main concern is building the business. "So far, there's nothing like this anywhere," Barnhill said. "We've already got people asking for it on the Mainland."
Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.
